Fissure Sealants
A thin protective coating on the grooves of the back teeth, where decay often starts. Fissure sealants, also called fissure seals or dental sealants, are a quick and gentle way to help look after your child’s back teeth. A tooth sealant fills in the deep grooves where food and plaque get trapped, making them easier to keep clean. We offer them for kids and adults at every Avenue Dental practice.
Why fissure sealants can help
Sealants are one of the simple ways your dentist can help look after your child’s back teeth as they grow.
- 01
A barrier for the grooves
Covers the deep grooves where plaque and bacteria build up, which can help protect against decay.
- 02
Quick and gentle
Usually no drilling or injections, and only a few minutes per tooth.
- 03
Can last for years
With good care, sealants can last a number of years, and your dentist checks them at each visit.
- 04
May mean less treatment later
Helping protect against decay may reduce the need for fillings down the track.
What is a fissure sealant?
A fissure sealant is a thin protective coating painted onto the chewing surfaces of the back teeth.
Back teeth have natural grooves, called fissures, where food and plaque can easily get trapped. These grooves can be hard to reach with a toothbrush, which is why decay often starts there.
A sealant fills in the grooves to create a smoother surface that’s easier to keep clean. It’s usually placed on healthy molars and premolars.
Sealant or filling?
Fissure sealant
Placed on a healthy tooth to help protect its grooves. Usually no drilling or injections.
Filling
Repairs a tooth that already has decay. The decayed part is removed first.
When should kids get fissure sealants?
Usually when the permanent molars come through, around ages 6 and 12.
Sealants are placed on healthy teeth, ideally soon after they come through. Not every tooth needs one. Your dentist checks your child’s teeth at each visit and lets you know if sealants may help.
- Around age 6
First permanent molars
The first adult back teeth come through behind the baby teeth.
- Around age 12
Second permanent molars
The next set of adult molars come through further back.
- At every visit
Checked by your dentist
Your dentist checks for deep grooves and any wear on existing sealants.
Fissure sealants near you
We offer fissure sealants for kids and adults at every Avenue Dental practice across the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, Melbourne and Adelaide.
Sunshine Coast
Fissure sealants at Caloundra, Maroochydore, Bli Bli, Kawana, Baringa, Sippy Downs, Tewantin and Beerwah.Avenue Dental Sunshine Coast →
Brisbane
Fissure sealants at North Lakes, Murrumba Downs and Woolloongabba.Avenue Dental Brisbane →
Melbourne
Fissure sealants at Brunswick.Avenue Dental Melbourne →
Adelaide
Fissure sealants at Fulham Gardens.Avenue Dental Adelaide →
Our Children’s Dentistry Services Include
Fissure sealants for adults
Sealants are most common in children and teens, but we offer them for adults at every Avenue Dental practice too.
Your dentist can check whether sealants may help at your regular check up and clean.
They may suit adults with
- Deep grooves in healthy back teeth
- A higher risk of decay
- Back teeth without fillings in the grooves
The fissure sealant process
It usually takes only a few minutes per tooth, with no drilling or injections needed in most cases.
- 01
Clean
The tooth is cleaned so the sealant can bond well.
- 02
Prepare
The tooth is dried and prepared with a gentle solution.
- 03
Apply
The sealant is painted into the grooves of the tooth.
- 04
Set
A special light sets the sealant into a hard, protective layer.
Are fissure sealants covered by CDBS?
Yes. Fissure sealants are on the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) covered list.
We bulk bill eligible CDBS services, so there’s no out-of-pocket cost for covered treatment up to your child’s benefit cap.
- Accepted at every Avenue Dental practice
- Bulk billed for eligible children
- Eligibility is set by Medicare
Eligibility and benefits are set by the Australian Government and may change.
How much do fissure sealants cost?
The cost depends on a few things. Your dentist gives you a personalised quote at your check-up, before any treatment starts.
- 01
The number of teeth
Most children have sealants on their back molars, and the cost depends on how many teeth are sealed.
- 02
CDBS eligibility
Eligible children can have sealants bulk billed under the CDBS, up to their benefit cap.
- 03
Your health fund
Sealants may be claimable under extras, depending on your cover.
Payment plans are also available. See payment options.
Flexible payment plans
At Avenue Dental on the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, Adelaide and Melbourne, we understand that dental treatment can be difficult to fit into your budget, which is why we offer a range of different dental payment plan options.
Fissure sealant FAQs
This is general information only. Your dentist can answer your questions at your check-up.
Do fissure sealants hurt?
Most children find fissure sealants quick and comfortable. There’s usually no drilling or injections. The tooth is cleaned and dried, the sealant is painted into the grooves, then it’s set with a special light. It usually takes only a few minutes per tooth.
How long do fissure sealants last?
With good care, fissure sealants can last a number of years. They can wear or chip over time, so your dentist checks them at each check-up and can repair or top them up if needed.
Are fissure sealants safe?
Fissure sealants are a common, well-established preventive treatment that dentists have used for many years. Your dentist can talk you through the material they use and answer any questions before starting.
Are fissure sealants necessary?
Not every tooth needs a sealant. Your dentist looks at the shape of your child’s back teeth and their risk of decay, and lets you know whether sealants may help. Teeth with deep grooves are often the ones that benefit most.
When should my child get fissure sealants?
Sealants are usually placed when the permanent molars come through, around ages 6 and 12. They’re placed on healthy teeth, ideally soon after they come through. Your dentist checks at each visit and lets you know if they may help.
Can adults get fissure sealants?
Yes. Sealants are most common in children and teens, but we offer them for adults at every Avenue Dental practice. They may suit adults with deep grooves in healthy back teeth, or a higher risk of decay. Learn about our check up and clean.
Are sealants covered by CDBS or health funds?
Fissure sealants are on the CDBS covered list, and we bulk bill eligible CDBS services, so there’s no out-of-pocket cost for covered treatment up to your child’s benefit cap. If your child isn’t eligible, or for adults, sealants may be claimable under extras, depending on your health fund cover. Learn about the CDBS.
Can my child eat after fissure sealants?
The sealant is set before your child leaves, and most children can eat and drink as normal soon after. Your dentist lets you know if there’s anything to avoid.
Do sealants replace brushing?
No. Sealants help protect the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, but not the sides of the teeth or the gaps between them. Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing once teeth touch, and regular check-ups are still important.
What’s the difference between a fissure sealant and a filling?
A fissure sealant is placed on a healthy tooth to help protect its grooves. A filling repairs a tooth that already has decay, and the decayed part is removed first. Learn about children’s fillings.
